A former Carlisle United player has landed a key role in the backroom set-up at one of the Blues' League One rivals.

James Krause has joined Oxford United - the Blues' second opponents in the new league season - as first team coach analyst.

The former defender, who played for United under Neil McDonald, has held similar roles with Arsenal and Ipswich Town.

Oxford describe his role at the Kassam Stadium as "a hybrid between coaching and analysis".

The 36-year-old will oversee analysis at the club but also spend time on the training pitch.

“I’m really excited to be joining the club," Krause told the Oxford website.

"The opportunity to work with the manager was a big factor for me, but also the ambitions of the club made it an exciting proposition. I’ve been really impressed with the set up since arriving and believe the foundations are in place to be successful this season."

Oxford boss Liam Manning said he was delighted Krause had decided to leave his role with the Arsenal first-team to join the club.

Krause was on loan from Ipswich Town at United in the 2006/7 season.

He made three first-team appearances, and went on to play for Crawley Town and Cambridge City.

Carlisle go to Oxford on the second weekend of the League One season on Saturday, August 12.